Automatic prompting for file downloads must be disallowed (Restricted Sites zone).

From Microsoft Internet Explorer 11 Security Technical Implementation Guide

Part of DTBI580-IE11-Prompt for file downloads - Restricted Sites

Associated with IA controls: ECSC-1

Associated with: CCI-000381

SV-59569r1_rule Automatic prompting for file downloads must be disallowed (Restricted Sites zone).

Vulnerability discussion

This policy setting determines whether users will be prompted for non user-initiated file downloads. Regardless of this setting, users will receive file download dialogs for user-initiated downloads. Users may accept downloads that they did not request, and those downloaded files may include malicious code. If you enable this setting, users will receive a file download dialog for automatic download attempts. If you disable or do not configure this setting, file downloads that are not user-initiated will be blocked, and users will see the information bar instead of the file download dialog. Users can then click the information bar to allow the file download prompt.

Check content

The policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Windows Components -> Internet Explorer -> Internet Control Panel -> Security Page -> Restricted Sites Zone -> 'Automatic prompting for file downloads' must be 'Enabled', and 'Disable' selected from the drop-down box. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings\Zones\4 Criteria: If the value "2200" is REG_DWORD = 3, this is not a finding.

Fix text

Set the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Windows Components -> Internet Explorer -> Internet Control Panel -> Security Page -> Restricted Sites Zone -> 'Automatic prompting for file downloads' to 'Enabled', and select 'Disable' from the drop-down box.

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